Learning Difficulties

Each person is unique in the way they learn, process, and create. However, sometimes these differences are born out of structural and functional variances within the brain and can make certain tasks incredibly challenging to complete. “Learning difficulties” encompasses a wide collection of learning disorders and struggles experienced by individuals of all ages. How they manifest and affect an individual’s functioning varies from person to person. It’s important to remember that these difficulties say nothing of the person’s intelligence—in fact most folks with learning disorders are at or above average intelligence. There is usually one area of learning that is more affected than others, like reading, math, language, or writing. The most common learning disorders are typically broken into four categories: Dyscalculia (affects math comprehension and calculation), Dysgraphia (affects handwriting and fine motor skills), Dyslexia (affects reading comprehension and writing), and Oral or Written Language Disorder (affects language-based processing skills). But there are many other ways people struggle with learning outside of these diagnosable disorders. Over time, these struggles can influence how successful we are in school or work and our sense of confidence and self-worth.

HOW WE CAN HELP

At the Peak Performance Institute, the first step of any treatment package is a comprehensive assessment that includes QEEG brain mapping, LORETA 3D neuroimaging, various testing, and a thorough discussion of symptoms and goals. This allows us to assess for the brain patterns most commonly associated with various learning difficulties. We can even monitor a student’s heart-rate variability while completing challenging tasks associated with learning concerns to really get an in-depth understanding of just what’s happening behind the scenes.

Both neurofeedback and neuromodulation can be used to restore healthy brain wave activity and improve communication across the brain. Heart-Rate Variability Training HRV (a form of Biofeedback) and Mindfulness training can help you to gain more control over your autonomic nervous system, allowing you to modulate physiological responses like breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and muscle tension. Mindfulness is an especially important skill to practice for not only managing the stress that comes with learning struggles, but also to best prime the brain before activities.

Mindfulness can help you stay in the present moment, observe thoughts, and gain awareness around the core beliefs you hold about yourself or your abilities.

Whichever services you choose to engage with, we will work collaboratively with you to address your needs from an integrative lens and focus on improving your overall brain-body wellness so you can be the best version of you and accomplish your goals!

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS